SMART Objectives

If you want to get more serious about setting your objectives, consider using the SMART methodology, illustrated in figure.

SMART

SMART is an acronym that can be used to help ensure that effective objectives or goals are set.

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Specific: Specific objectives are clear and well-defined.

measurable: Progress towards objectives often need to be to be monitored whilst work is under way.

Achievable: when giving objectives, the person may not be able to achieve it for various reasons, including a lack of skills, not having enough resources(computers, tools, etc.), not having access to key people and not having management support.

Relevant: Objectives should also add useful value within the context where they are being set, being aligned with strategies and higher goals.

Timely: Descriptions of objectives should also include timescales of what is required by when.

Whether it is to develop team work goals or employee performance objectives must meet the above principles, none of the five principles is indispensable, they are equally important.